The Power of Storytelling: Building Empathy & Bridging Differences

Individually we hold many complex and diverse experiences and identities (i.e. race, class, age, gender, sexuality, etc.). These experiences and identities help to shape how we view the world as well as how we interact within it.

In this workshop, led by facilitator Olivia Worden, we will consider and assess the various social identities that we hold and how our own experiences of privilege and marginalization impact our ability to communicate, advocate, and listen across differences. Through interactive exercises, participants will learn how to utilize their own stories as a tool for navigating conflict and building empathy.

Whether you are new to social justice work or a longtime advocate and ally, this workshop will provide you an opportunity to learn more about yourself, your community, and the ways in which you can create change.

Please bring a bag lunch; beverages will be provided. The workshop is free, but registration is required by contacting Gretchen Baker-Smith below.

Info on the Massachusetts Bail Fund, attached. (Note: I contacted Martha Yager this afternoon, and she put me in touch with Ben Evans, the staff person working on this in Southeastern Mass. I will forward you updates.)

Here is the website for From the Otherside, the organization that matches people, one to one, who voted for ‘the other’ candidate in order to get to know “them” and understand “their” perspective and experience: https://www.hifromtheotherside.com

Here is the list to New England Yearly Meeting’s Living Faith gathering on April 9 at Moses Brown. Please let me know if you want to go — I can take up to 6 people in my car! Also, we should think about checking in on what workshops we sign up for so that we get to as many different ones as possible. PLEASE DO NOTE that the “pay as led” philosophy is very much for real — pay what you can…. NEYM is committed to Friends attending this regardless of whether or not they break even. Do NOT let money stop you from going! (Really) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/living-faith-gathering-april-8-2017-registration-30265939239